Suspended basket system for freezers and portable coolers

ABSTRACT

The present invention suspended basket system for freezers and portable coolers, includes: (a) an insulating member selected from the group consisting of freezers and portable coolers, the insulating member including a bottom, a back, an open top, and a cover connectable to an outer perimeter of the open top through cover connectable means; (b) a basket hanging member including an open frame nested to the insulating member through open frame nesting means, at least one hinge point rod connected to the open frame, and a suspension mechanism connected to the at least one hinge point rod through suspension mechanism connecting means, the suspension mechanism further connected to at least one basket through at least one basket connecting means wherein the at least one basket is adapted for holding food and beverages normally stored in the insulating member; such that as the open frame is increasingly opened by lifting the open frame upwardly and rotatably around the open frame nesting means, an angle below the open frame and horizontal increases wherein an angle between the at least one basket with the horizontal remains constant so that said at least one basket remains parallel to the bottom of the insulating member, thereby providing access to items placed in the insulating member under the at least one basket. The basket-hanging member may also be retrofitted to a manufactured freezer or portable cooler. In that case, there are legs extending from the frame to the bottom of the insulating member, as well as a connecting mechanism which connects the frame to legs of the device.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to improved features for freezers andportable coolers. More particularly, it relates to a suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers which open from a top. Thesuspended basket system includes an insulating member, a basket-holdingmember including a frame, a suspension mechanism and at least one basketconnected to the suspension mechanism. The frame may be opened upwardlysuch that an angle between at least one basket and the frame increasesfrom 0° and 60°, and much greater as the frame is increasingly opened,thereby providing access to items placed in the at least one basket inthe insulating member.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to thepresent invention:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,980 B2 to Koons relates to a freezer drawer supportassembly which provides for a refrigerator including an upper fresh foodcompartment and a lower freezer compartment having a rearwardly taperingliner. The support assembly include a pair of side adapters whichcompensate for the tapering of the liner, while defining both channelsfor the attachment of extensible drawer slides, to which a freezer doorand a slideable basket is attached, and ledges for slideably supportinganother basket. Preferably, the side adapters mate with groove and ledgestructure formed into the liner to enhance the transfer of weight fromthe baskets, while enabling a refrigerator liner designed to directlysupport one or more slideable baskets to indirectly support multiplebaskets which can be slid relative to each other.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,818 B2 to Ahmed et al. describes and illustrates astorage module for a refrigeration appliance including a base havingopposing side supports and a basket hingedly coupled to the sidesupports and tiltable about a rotational axis therethrough.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,295 B1 to Vasudeva discloses a tool case with anadditional storage space, which is accessed from the inside of the toolcase. The storage space may be fitted with various pre-assembled snap-instorage modules to provide the user with the flexibility of storing awide variety of items in a wide variety of ways, depending on the user'sneeds. For example, the compartment may be fitted with a snap-in modulecomprising a series of rotating storage containers according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, the snap-inmodules can comprise a series of sliding drawers, or a single rotatingstorage container, or any other tool or component holder. In theinvention, a rectangular opening is defined within the inner surface ofthe box portion of the tool case. Interior walls project upwardly fromthe edge of the opening to preferably define a storage space whichaccommodates a snap-in module. The module is secured within the storagespace by inserting two tabs projecting outwardly from the first side ofthe module into corresponding slits located within the adjacent interiorwall. The module is then rotated into the recess stoat a plastic armprojecting away from the second side of the module engages a lipprotruding from the adjacent interior wall. The lip is engaged by a jawmolded to the distal end of the arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,718 to Ahern, Jr. et al. relates to a container,such as a toolbox which includes a base portion having an open top and acover for closing the open top. A plurality of sockets is formed in thecover to receive a bin therein. A bin is maintained in each socket bythe interaction of a barb in the socket and a notch in the bin, and theinteraction of an ump in the socket and a pocket in the bin. When in thesocket, the lid of the bin may be removed therefrom.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,080 to Klimas describes and illustrates a toolboxthat has a lid that may be unobstructedly opened while the box issuspended by its own hanger from a horizontal member of a scaffold.Moreover, the tool box is designed to block rotation of the box whilesuspended, so that it may be opened, closed and accessed while remainingout of the way in its hanging position on the scaffold.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,385 to Koloski et al describes and illustrates amultipurpose storage container including a lid, base, and latch handles.The lid is configured for positionment upon the base in alternativeupright and inverted positions. In the inverted configuration, the lidcreates a work surface having integral support grooves for securing atubular work piece. In the upright configuration, the lid presents domedupper surface that can serve as a seat. The latch handles are pivotallyattached to ends of the base in either of the two alternate lidconfiguration.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,907 to Kahl et al. discloses a portable containerwith a pivotal compartment which may be access when a cover of theportable container is in an open and a closed position. The compartmentis in an open and a closed position. The compartment is pivotallysecured to a side section of the container bottom. The interior of thepivotal compartment may be accessed through a top and bottom wall of thecover section.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0182296 A1 to Leerelates to a structure for automatically shutting a basket cover in arefrigerator. The structure comprises an inclined portion formed at afront inner periphery of an inner case defining a storage space in amain body of the refrigerator such that a sectional area of the storagespace is gradually increased toward an entrance to the storage space, abasket which is installed on a back surface of a door for and closingthe storage space in order to store articles therein, and a basked coverfor opening and shutting the basket, which includes a shutting-guideportion that is installed at a leading end thereof and guided along theinclined portion to shut the basket cover and the door is closed. Aconvenience in use of the refrigerator is enhanced and parts can beprevented from being damaged due to their interference.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0126327 A1 to Choiet al. describes and illustrates a door basket for a refrigeratorprovided on a rear surface of a refrigerator and receiving food. Thereis provided a basket main body having a predetermined receiving spaceformed therein. In addition, a guide holder is detachably installed onthe basket main body. A guide bar for supporting a side off foodreceived in the receiving space is coupled rotatably about the guideholder. Also, an elastic member is provided in one side of the guide barto exert an elastic force on the guide bar to be spaced apart from anupper end of the basket main body by a predetermined distance. The guidebar can be easily installed to the basket main body without deformationof the basket main body. When the guide bar is installed, the guide barsupports the food received in the receiving space in a state where theguide bar is spaced apart from the basket main by a predetermineddistance. However, when the food I received in the receiving space, oneside of the food pushes down the guide bar and passes through the guidebar, so that the food can be easily taken in and out,

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0035222 A1 to Leeet al. discloses an apparatus for tilting a door for a refrigerator. Theapparatus includes: the door selectively opening and closing a storagechamber, a basket frame provided on a rear surface of the door andhaving a basket detachably installed on the basket frame, a tiltinghinge connection the door to the basket frame so that the door is tiltedby a desired angle, and a tilting prevention pin having one endextending through a side of the tilting hinge and the other endextending through a side of the basket frame, for restricting andallowing the tilting of the door.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0178711 A1 toAvendano relates to a combination tilt-out and pick-off basket assemblyfor storing items on a door of a refrigerator which includes a coatedwire basket pivotally attached to a molded plastic basket frame. Pivotshafts on the basket snap-fittingly engage apertures in the basket frameand allow the basket to move between a retracted position, wherein thebasket is substantially recessed within the basket frame. A stop memberis provided for limiting the degree to which the basket can pivotrelative to the basket frame. Mounting members formed in the basketframe allow the assembly to be removal by supported on mounting supportson a freezer or fresh food compartment door liner.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0148245 A1 to Chaiet al. describes and illustrates a horizontal freezer with drawerstherein, comprising a housing including an upper freezing chamber and atleast one lower freezing chamber, the upper freezing chamber and lowerfreezing chamber, the upper freezing chamber and lower freezing chamberbeing separated by a plate, the upper freezing chamber having a topentrance and the lower freezing chamber having a side entrance; a coverconnected to the top of the housing for closing the top entrance of theupper freezing chamber; at least one drawer, the drawer being mounted inthe lower freezing chamber by means of a sliding support assembly; anevaporator, at least part of which is embedded in the housing. Thehousing includes an upper front panel preformed separately, a back paneland two opposite side panels. The sliding support assembly includes aninner sliding support having two guiding rails extending longitudinallyalong the opposite sides of the inner shell and a front crossing bar anda rear crossing bar connected therebetween, with the front crossing barbeing secured to the plate.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taughtnor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention suspended basket system for freezers and portablecoolers, includes:(a) an insulating member selected from the groupconsisting of freezers and portable coolers, the insulating memberincluding a bottom, a back, an open top, and a cover connectable to anouter perimeter of the open top through cover connectable means;(b) abasket hanging member including an open frame nested to the insulatingmember through open frame nesting means, at least one hinge point rodconnected to the open frame, and a suspension mechanism connected to theat least one hinge point rod through suspension mechanism connectingmeans, the suspension mechanism further connected to at least one basketthrough at least one basket connecting means wherein the at least onebasket is adapted for holding food and beverages normally stored in theinsulating member; such that as the open frame is increasingly opened bylifting the open frame upwardly and rotatably around the open framenesting means, an angle below the open frame and horizontal increaseswherein an angle between the at least one basket with the horizontalremains constant so that the at least one basket remains parallel to thebottom of the insulating member, thereby providing access to itemsplaced in the insulating member under the at least one basket.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, the cover connectable means isselected from the group consisting of a hinged connection and aremovable cover.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, the open frame nesting memberis selected from the group consisting of a hinged connection and aremovable the open frame.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, the suspension mechanism isselected from the group consisting of a bifurcated connection and a barconnection.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, the suspension mechanism movesaround the hinge point rod as the open frame is lifted to open.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, the at least one basket has alength and the insulating member has a length wherein the length of theat least one basket is one of less than or nearly equal to the length ofthe insulating member.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, there is a plurality of thebaskets and wherein each of the plurality of baskets has a length, thelength of each of the baskets being one of same or different from thelength of at least one other the basket.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, when the frame is in a closedposition, the plurality of baskets are arranged in rows across a topportion of the insulating member, wherein the rows are horizontallyarranged with respect to the top portion of the insulating member andwherein when the frame is moved to a fully opened position, theplurality of baskets are moved to rows vertically arranged with respectto the top of the insulating member.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, the plurality of basketsincludes a cutout for facilitating access to each of the plurality ofbaskets when the baskets are situated close to each other.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, the insulating member has ashape selected from the group consisting of rectangular, square,unshaped, circular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal and triangular.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, includes: (a) an insulatingmember selected from the group consisting of freezers and portablecoolers, the insulating device including a bottom, a back, an open topand a cover connected to an outer perimeter of the open top throughcover connectable means; (b) a basket hanging member, a basket hangingmember being removeably connectable to the insulating means by asecuring means for securing the basket hanging member inside theinsulating member, the basket hanging member including an open framenested to the insulating member through the securing means, at least onehinge point rod connected to the open frame, and a suspension mechanismconnected to the at least one hinge point rod through suspensionmechanism connecting means, the suspension mechanism further connectedto at least one basket through at least one basket connecting whereinthe securing means extends from an outer perimeter of a bottom of theframe to the bottom of the insulating member and means wherein the atleast one basket is adapted for holding food and beverages normallystored in the insulating member; such that as the open frame isincreasingly opened by lifting the open frame upwardly and rotatablyaround the open frame nesting means, an angle below the open frame andhorizontal increases wherein an angle between the at least one basketwith the horizontal remains constant so that the at least one basketremains parallel to the bottom of the insulating member, therebyproviding access to items placed in the insulating member under the atleast one basket.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of paragraph [00026], the coverconnectable means is selected from the group consisting of a hingedconnection and a removable cover.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of paragraph [00026],suspension mechanism is selected from the group consisting of abifurcated connection and a bar connection.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of paragraph [00026],suspension mechanism moves around the hinge point rod as the open frameis lifted to open.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of paragraph [00026], at leastone basket has a length and the insulating member has a length whereinthe length of the at least one basket is one of less than or nearlyequal to the length of the insulating member.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of paragraph [00026], there isa plurality of baskets wherein the plurality of baskets includes acutout for facilitating access to each of the plurality of baskets whenthe baskets are situated close to each other.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of paragraph [00026],insulating member and the basket hanging member are rectangular, whereinthe securing means is four legs located at four outer perimeter cornersof the basket hanging member.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of paragraph [00026], securingmeans further includes a connector for at connecting the open frame tothe four legs.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of paragraph [00026], theinsulating member has a shape selected from the group consisting ofrectangular, square, u-shaped, circular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal andtriangular.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention and together with the detail description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side partially cut view of an embodiment of a suspendedbasket system for freezers and portable coolers according to the presentinvention, illustrating a bifurcated suspension mechanism;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system fora freezer according to the present invention of FIG. 1, illustrating aframe in a partially opened position, while FIG. 3 illustrates the framein a completely opened position;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system for afreezer according to the present invention, illustrating the frame ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a basket of a suspended system for a freezer ofthe present invention, illustrating a cutout,

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system fora freezer according to the present invention, illustrating another framein a closed position, and

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the frame in a partially open position anda completely opened position, respectively;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system for afreezer according to the present invention, illustrating the frame ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a suspended basket system for aportable cooler according to the present invention, illustrating aretrofitted frame.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system fora portable cooler according to the present invention, illustratinganother retrofitted frame; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system fora portable coolers according to the present invention, illustratinganother retrofitted frame and a removable insulating member cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention relates generally to improved features for freezers andportable coolers which are opened from a top of the freezer or potablecooler. More particularly, it relates to a suspended basket system forfreezers and portable coolers. The suspended basket system includes aninsulating member, a basket hanging member including a frame, at leastone hinge point rod, a suspension mechanism and at least one basketconnected to the suspension mechanism.

The frame may be opened upwardly such that an angle between the at leastone basket and the frame increases from 0° and 60°, and much greater asthe frame is increasingly opened, thereby providing access to itemsplaced in the at least one basket in the insulating member. As the openframe is increasingly opened by lifting the open frame upwardly androtatably around the open frame nesting means, an angle below the openframe and horizontal increases wherein an angle between the at least onebasket with the horizontal remains constant so that the at least onebasket remains parallel to the bottom of the insulating member, therebyproviding access to items placed in the insulating member under the atleast one basket.

The change in angle between the at least one basket and the frame isaccomplished through mechanisms well know in the art where the slope ofan extension suspension mechanism is changed while a part connected tothe extension remains parallel to a particular point of reference. Suchmechanisms include a ferris wheel, trolley cars in San Francisco, andraising a bridge when a house own it remains parallel to the ground.With a ferris wheel, the bucket seats remain horizontal as the wheelrotates through various circular degrees. The buckets change positionsrelative to the wheel as the wheel rotates.

The baskets are located in a top portion of the insulating member andprovide easy access to those items adapted for them. The baskets areadapted for holding food and beverages normally stored in insulatingdevices. The baskets are located in a top portion of the insulatingmember so that the items in the baskets are easily accessible. If a userneeds to access items under the baskets, the frame is opened so that thebaskets move out of the way of the food and beverages stored beneath thebaskets in the insulating member. The baskets move out of the way bybeing lifted through opening the frame and gradually move from ahorizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement over and above theinsulating member at the back part of the insulating member.

Instead of using shelves or door compartments, as in conventionalinsulating devices, the baskets provide storing such items asconvenience food, frozen vegetables, frozen foods, pre-packaged fish,poultry and meats, beverages, pre-made sandwiches, entrees and salads.When the device includes a cooler, for example, freshly cut lemons maybe placed in a basket to add to canned and bottled beverages which arealso located in the cooler.

The length of a basket may be as long as the insulating device is long,and as wide as the width from the front to the back of the insulatingdevice. The depth is typically less than six inches. The length andwidth typically have upper ranges of four feet and twelve inches,respectively. Thus, there is great flexibility in the types and sizes ofitems that may be stored in the baskets.

As the frame is opened, the baskets move from a horizontal position to avertical position. However, the bottoms of the baskets remain parallelto the bottom of the insulating device or a horizontal. This facilitatesaccess to the food and other items stored under the baskets in theinsulating device. When the baskets are close to each other, there is acutout for facilitating access to items in the abutting baskets whenthey are in a completely open position or vertically aligned.

The basket-hanging member may be manufactured with the basket-hangingmember as part of the assembly or it may be retrofitted. Theefficiencies of manufacturing in terms of saving on materials and spacewithin the insulating device make the product more desirable. Aretrofit, however, may provide more of a market base.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a side cutview of an embodiment of a suspended basket system for a freezer 1according to the present invention, illustrating suspension mechanism19, 21.

The suspended basket system for a freezers 1 includes an insulatingmember 3, and a basket-hanging member 13. The insulating member 3 mayinclude freezers and portable coolers. As shown, the insulating member 3is rectangular, but the insulating member 3 may be rectangular, square,u-shaped, circular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal and triangular.

The insulating member 3 includes a bottom 5, a back 7, an open top 8,and a cover 9 connectable to an outer perimeter of the open top 8through cover connectable means 11, in this case a hinge 11. Coverconnectable means may also be a non-hinged connection which is aremovable cover. There is a stop 10 on the insulating member 3 forstopping downward movement of the basket hanging member 13.

The basket hanging member 13 includes an open frame 15 (see FIG. 4)nested to the insulating member 3 through open frame nesting means, atleast one hinge point rod 26, 28 and 36 (see FIG. 4) connected to theopen frame 15, as well as to the suspension mechanisms 19, 21, 22, 24,26 and 28 (see FIG. 4). The hinge point rod 28 is connected only to theopen frame 15 which reinforces support. The open frame 15 includes aback 61. The open frame nesting means is a hinge which includes a rod 17and bracket 12.

The suspension mechanisms 19 and 21 are connected to the open frame 15through suspension mechanism connecting means and further connected toat least one basket 29, 31 through at least one basket connecting means.In this case, the open frame nesting means is hinges 17 and 23 (see FIG.4). The suspension mechanisms 19 and 21 are adapted to align the bottomof the baskets 29, 31 parallel to the bottom 5 of the insulating member3 or parallel with a horizontal, as the open frame 15 is lifted, with anangle between the open frame 15 and the baskets 29, 31 increasing from0° and 60°, and much more.

In FIG. 1, the open frame 15 is in a closed position wherein the baskets29, 31 are arranged in rows across the near top of the insulating member3. The rows are horizontally arranged with respect to the bottom 5 ofthe insulating member 3. The angle between the at least one basket 29,31 and the frame 15 is 0°.

As the open frame 15 is increasingly opened by lifting the open frame 15upwardly and rotatably around the open frame nesting means 17 and 23(FIG. 4), an angle below the open frame and horizontal increases whereinan angle between the at least one basket 29, 31 with the horizontalremains constant so that the at least one basket 29, 31 remains parallelto the bottom 5 of the insulating member 3, thereby providing access toitems placed in the insulating member under the at least one basket. Asthe open frame 15 is increasingly opened by lifting the open frame 15upwardly and rotatably around open frame nesting means 17 and 23, anangle A between the at least one basket 29, 31 and the frame 15increases from 0° to 60°, and much greater than 60°, thereby providingaccess to items placed in the insulating member 3 under the at least onebasket 29, 31.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a side view of anembodiment of a suspended basket system for a freezer according to thepresent invention of FIG. 1, illustrating the frame 15 in a partiallyopened position, and the frame 15 in a completely opened position,respectively. Like parts are exactly numbered as in FIG. 1.

The at least one basket 29, 31 are shown raised above each other so thatthey do not line up horizontally as in FIG. 1. The angle between the atleast one basket 29, 31 and the frame 15 has increased to about 30° sothat items placed in the insulating member 3 (FIG. 1) under the baskets29, 31 before opening the frame 15, are accessible as the frame 15 isopened. The at least one basket 29, 31 is no longer horizontallyaligned, but the angle with a horizontal remains constant among thebaskets at different levels of being opened. The hinge 17 enables thesuspension mechanism remains to move around the crossbar so that the atleast one basket 29, 31 remain parallel to the bottom of the insulatingdevice. The suspension mechanisms 19 and 21 are connected to the hingepoint rods 24 and 36 (see FIG. 4), respectively.

In FIG. 3, the frame 15 is completely opened. The angle between the atleast one basket 29, 31 and the frame 15 has increased to 90° so thatitems placed in the insulating member 3 (FIG. 1) under the at least onebasket 29, 31, before opening the frame 15, are now all accessible. Theat least one basket 29, 31 are now vertically aligned. The suspensionmechanisms 19 and 21 are connected to the hinge point rods 24 and 36,respectively.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system for afreezer according to the present invention, illustrating the frame 15 ofFIG. 1. The frame 15 includes at least a back 61 and at least one hingepoint rod 26, 28 and 36 connected to the frame 15. There are hinges 17and 23 located on the back 61 of the frame 15 for connection to theinsulating device 3. There is at least one basket 29, 31 and 34 andsuspension mechanisms 19, 21, 22, 24, 26 and 28. The baskets 31 and 34have a length measured from the left side 64 to the right side 66 whichis less than the length of the insulating device 3 (FIG. 1). The basket29 has a length which is nearly equal to the length of the insulatingdevice 3. In this embodiment, the length of the basket 29 is differentfrom the length of the other baskets 31 and 34.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a basket of a suspended system for a freezer ofthe present invention, illustrating a cutout. FIG. 6 is a side view ofan embodiment of a suspended basket system for a freezer according tothe present invention, illustrating another frame in a closed position,and FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the frame in a partially open positionand a completely opened position, respectively. FIG. 9 is a top view ofan embodiment of a suspended basket system for a freezers according tothe present invention, illustrating the frame of FIG. 6.

FIG. 5 shows a basket 47 that facilitates access to items in the basketsunderneath a given basket when the frame 37 is completely opened. Acutout portion 55 on the baskets 47, 49 provides increased capacity toaccess items in all the baskets 47, 49. The cutout portion isparticularly useful when the baskets are close to each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 9, a basket hanging member 35 includesan open frame 37 (see FIG. 9) nested to the insulating member throughopen frame nesting means 45, 53, and at least one hinge point rod 71, 73connected to the open frame 37, as well as to suspension mechanisms 39,41, 43, 74 and 76.

Suspension mechanisms 39, 41, 43, 74, and 76 are connected to the openframe 37 through suspension mechanism connecting means and furtherconnected to at least one basket 47, 49 and 51 through at least onebasket connecting means. The suspension mechanisms 39, 41, 43, 74 and 76are a bar connection. The suspension mechanisms 39, 41, 43, 74 and 76are adapted to align the bottom of the baskets 47, 49 and 51 parallel tothe bottom of the insulating mechanism as the open frame 37 is lifted,with an angle between the open frame 37 and the baskets 47, 49 and 51increasing from 0° and 60°, and much more. As the open frame 37 isincreasingly opened by lifting the open frame 37 upwardly and rotatablyaround the open frame nesting means 45 and 53, in this case hinges, anangle below the open frame 37 and horizontal increases wherein an anglebetween the at least one basket 47, 49 and 51 with the horizontalremains constant so that the at least one basket 47, 49 and 51 remainsparallel to the bottom of the insulating member, thereby providingaccess to items placed in the insulating member under the at least onebasket.

In FIG. 6, the open frame 37 is in a closed position wherein the baskets47, 49 are arranged in rows across the near top of the insulatingmember, when the basket-hanging member is part of an insulating member.The rows are horizontally arranged with respect to the top of theinsulating member. The angle between the at least one basket 47, 49, andthe frame 37 is 0°.

In FIG. 7, the at least one basket 47, 49 are shown raised above eachother so that they do not line up horizontally as in FIG. 6. The angle Abetween the at least one basket 47, 49 and the frame 37 has increased toabout 30° so that items placed in the insulating member under the atleast one basket 47, 49 and 51 (see FIG. 9), before opening the frame37, are accessible. The at least one basket 47, 49 is no longerhorizontally aligned, but the angle between the baskets and a horizontalremains constant.

As the open frame 37 is increasingly opened by lifting the open frame 37upwardly and rotatably around the open frame nesting means, in this casehinges 45, 53 (see FIG. 9), an angle below the open frame 37 andhorizontal increases wherein an angle between the at least one basket47, 49 with the horizontal remains constant so that the at least onebasket 47, 49 remains parallel to the bottom of the insulating member,thereby providing access to items placed in the insulating member underthe at least one basket. As the open frame 37 is increasingly opened bylifting the open frame 37 upwardly and rotatably around open framenesting means 45, 53, an angle between the at least one basket 47, 49and the frame 37 increases from 0° to 60°, and much greater than 60°,thereby providing access to items placed in the insulating member underthe at least one basket 47, 49.

In FIG. 8, the frame 37 is completely opened. The angle between the atleast one basket 47, 49 and the frame 37 has increased to 90° so thatitems placed in the insulating member under the at least one basket 47,49, before opening the frame 15 are now all accessible. The at least onebasket 47, 49 is now vertically aligned.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system for afreezer according to the present invention, illustrating the frame 37 ofFIG. 6. The frame 37 includes at least a back 45. There is at least onebasket 47, 49, and 51. The basket 47 has suspension mechanisms 39 and72. The basket 49 has suspension mechanisms 41 and 76. The basket 51 hassuspension mechanisms 43 and 73. The baskets 47, 49, and 51 have alength measured from the side 68 to the side 70 which is less than ornearly equal to the length of the insulating device. In this embodiment,the lengths of the baskets 47, 49 and 51 are different.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a suspended basket system for a cooleraccording to the present invention, illustrating a retrofitted framewhile FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of a suspended basketsystem for a cooler according to the present invention, illustrating aretrofitted frame. The suspended basket system for a cooler 101 includesan insulating member 103, and a basket-hanging member 113. Theinsulating member 103 may include freezers and portable coolers. Asshown, the insulating member 103 is rectangular, but the insulatingmember may be rectangular, square, u-shaped, circular, oval, hexagonal,octagonal and triangular.

The insulating member 103 includes a bottom 105, a back 107, an open top108, and a cover 109 connectable to an outer perimeter of the open top108 through cover connectable means 111, in this case a hinge 111. Coverconnectable means may also be a non-hinged connection which is aremovable cover.

The basket hanging member 113 includes an open frame 115 nested to theinsulating member 103 through securing means, and at least one hingepoint rod 151, 153 connected to the open frame 115, as well as tosuspension mechanisms 121 and 127. The open frame 115 has a front 207and a back 205. Suspension mechanisms 121, 127 are connected to the openframe 115 through suspension mechanism connecting means and furtherconnected to at least one basket 129, 131 through at least one basketconnecting means. In this case, the securing means includes four legs193, 195, 201 and 203 located at four outer perimeter corners of thebasket-hanging member extending from a bottom of the frame 115 to thebottom 105 of the insulating member 103. Securing means further includeshinges 197 and 199 for connecting the open frame 115 to legs 195 and203, respectively. The hinges 197 and 199 provide the capability to liftthe open frame 115.

The open frame 115 is connected to legs 195 and 203 so that the openframe may open and close through the hinges 197 and 199. The open frame115 is in a closed position wherein the baskets 129, 131 are arranged inrows across the near top of the insulating member 103. The rows arehorizontally arranged with respect to the top of the insulating member103. The angle between the at least one basket 129, 131 and the frame115 is 0°.

As the open frame 115 is increasingly opened by lifting the open frame115 upwardly and rotatably around the open frame nesting means 197, 199,an angle below the open frame and horizontal increases wherein an anglebetween the at least one basket 129, 131 with the horizontal remainsconstant so that the at least one basket 129, 131 remains parallel tothe bottom 105 of the insulating member 103, thereby providing access toitems placed in the insulating member under the at least one basket. Asthe open frame 115 is increasingly opened by lifting the open frame 115upwardly and rotatably around open frame nesting means, hinges 197 and199, an angle between the at least one basket 129, 131 and the frame 115increases from 0° to 60°, and much greater than 60°, thereby providingaccess to items placed in the insulating member 103 under the at leastone basket 129, 131.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of a suspended basket system fora portable cooler 161 according to the present invention, illustratinganother retrofitted frame and a removable cover 191. The suspendedbasket system for a portable cooler 161 includes an insulating member163, and a basket-hanging member 173. The insulating member 163 mayinclude freezers and portable coolers. As shown, the insulating member163 is U-shaped, but the insulating member may be rectangular, square,u-shaped, circular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal and triangular.

The insulating member 163 includes a bottom 165, a back 167, an open top168, and a removable cover 191. The basket-hanging member 173 includesan open frame 175 removeably connectable to the insulating member 163through a securing means described hereinafter, at least one hinge pointrod (not shown) connected to the open frame 175, and suspensionmechanisms 139, 141 connected to the open frame 175 through suspensionmechanism connecting means and further connected to at least one basket147, 149 through at least one basket connecting means. In this case, thesecuring means includes four legs 199, 211, (others not shown) locatedat four outer perimeter corners of the basket-hanging member extendingfrom a bottom of the frame 175 to the bottom 165 of the insulatingmember 173. Securing means further includes hinge 197 (other not shown)for connecting the open frame 175 to legs 211 (other not shown).

The open frame 175 is connected to one of the circular extension 199 sothat the open frame 175 may open and close through a hinge 177. Thesuspension mechanisms 139, 141 are bar connections.

In FIG. 12, the open frame 175 is in a closed position wherein thebaskets 147 and 149 are arranged in rows across the near top of theinsulating member 163. The rows are horizontally arranged with respectto the top of the insulating member 163. The angle between the at leastone basket 147 and 149 and the frame 175 is 0°.

As the open frame 175 is increasingly opened by lifting the open frame175 upwardly and rotatably around the open frame nesting means 177, anangle below the open frame 175 and horizontal increases wherein an anglebetween the at least one basket 147 and 149 with the horizontal remainsconstant so that the at least one basket 147 and 149 remains parallel tothe bottom 165 of the insulating member 173, thereby providing access toitems placed in the insulating member under the at least one basket 147and 149. As the open frame 175 is increasingly opened by lifting theopen frame 175 upwardly and rotatably around open frame nesting means,hinge 177, an angle between the at least one basket 147 and 149 and theframe 175 increases from 0° to 60°, and much greater than 60°, therebyproviding access to items placed in the insulating member 163 under theat least one basket 147.

To summarize, the present invention thus provides a suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers, which provides for convenientaccess to food and other items placed in baskets on a top part offreezers and portable coolers. A basket-hanging member that graduallymoves baskets from blocking access as the frame is opened facilitatesaccess to items beneath the baskets.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described indetail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to those particularembodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effectedtherein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,means may be provided for supporting the suspended basket system of thepresent invention similar to what is used for horizontal freezers, hoodsand trunks of cars, and similar lids. Thus, the means could be one ormore springs, living hinges, plungers, pneumatic or liquid mechanisms,ratchets, position locks, support rods or any other device that willassist in holding a frame in a fully upright or fully open position.

1. A suspended basket system for freezers and portable coolers,comprising: (a) an insulating member selected from the group consistingof freezers and portable coolers, said insulating member including abottom, a back, an open top, and a cover connectable to an outerperimeter of said open top through cover connectable means; (b) a baskethanging member including an open frame nested to said insulating memberthrough open frame nesting means, at least one hinge point rod connectedto said open frame, and a suspension mechanism connected to said atleast one hinge point rod through suspension mechanism connecting means,said suspension mechanism further connected to at least one basketthrough at least one basket connecting means wherein said at least onebasket is adapted for holding food and beverages normally stored in saidinsulating member; such that as said open frame is increasingly openedby lifting said open frame upwardly and rotatably around said open framenesting means, an angle below said open frame and horizontal increaseswherein an angle between said at least one basket with said horizontalremains constant so that said at least one basket remains parallel tosaid bottom of said insulating member, thereby providing access to itemsplaced in said insulating member under said at least one basket.
 2. Thesuspended basket system for freezers and portable coolers of claim 1wherein said cover connectable means is selected from the groupconsisting of a hinged connection and a removable cover.
 3. Thesuspended basket system for freezers and portable coolers of claim 1wherein said open frame nesting member is selected from the groupconsisting of a hinged connection and a removable said open frame. 4.The suspended basket system for freezers and portable coolers of claim 1wherein said suspension mechanism provides for said at least one basketto remain parallel with a horizontal as said open frame is lifted. 5.The suspended basket system for freezers and portable coolers of claim 1wherein said suspension mechanism moves around said hinge point rod assaid open frame is lifted to open.
 6. The suspended basket system forfreezers and portable coolers of claim 1 wherein said at least onebasket has a length and said insulating member has a length wherein saidlength of said at least one basket is one of less than or nearly equalto said length of said insulating member.
 7. The suspended basket systemfor freezers and portable coolers of claim 1 wherein there is aplurality of said baskets and wherein each of said plurality of basketshas a length, said length of each of said baskets being one of same ordifferent from said length of at least one other said basket.
 8. Thesuspended basket system for freezers and portable coolers of claim 7wherein when said frame is in a closed position, said plurality ofbaskets are arranged in rows across a top portion of said insulatingmember, wherein said rows are horizontally arranged with respect to saidtop portion of said insulating member and wherein when said frame ismoved to a fully opened position, said plurality of baskets are moved torows vertically arranged with respect to said top of said insulatingmember.
 9. The suspended basket system for freezers and portable coolersof claim 7 wherein said plurality of baskets includes a cutout forfacilitating access to each of said plurality of baskets when saidbaskets are situated close to each other.
 10. The suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of claim 1 wherein saidinsulating member has a shape selected from the group consisting ofrectangular, square, u-shaped, circular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal andtriangular.
 11. A suspended basket system for freezers and portablecoolers, comprising: (a) an insulating member selected from the groupconsisting of freezers and portable coolers, said insulating deviceincluding a bottom, a back, an open top and a cover connected to anouter perimeter of said open top through cover connectable means; (b) abasket hanging member, a basket hanging member being removeablyconnectable to said insulating means by a securing means for securingsaid basket hanging member inside said insulating member, said baskethanging member including an open frame nested to said insulating memberthrough said securing means, at least one hinge point rod connected tosaid open frame, and a suspension mechanism connected to said at leastone hinge point rod through suspension mechanism connecting means, saidsuspension mechanism further connected to at least one basket through atleast one basket connecting means wherein said securing means extendsfrom an outer perimeter of a bottom of said frame to said bottom of saidinsulating member and means wherein said at least one basket is adaptedfor holding food and beverages normally stored in said insulatingmember; such that as said open frame is increasingly opened by liftingsaid open frame upwardly and rotatably around said securing means, anangle below said open frame and horizontal increases wherein an anglebetween said at least one basket with said horizontal remains constantso that said at least one basket remains parallel to said bottom of saidinsulating member, thereby providing access to items placed in saidinsulating member under said at least one basket.
 12. The suspendedbasket system for freezers and portable coolers of claim 11 wherein saidcover connectable means is selected from the group consisting of ahinged connection and a removable cover.
 13. The suspended basket systemfor freezers and portable coolers of claim 1 wherein said suspensionmechanism provides for said at least one basket to remain parallel witha horizontal as said open frame is lifted.
 14. The suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of claim 11 wherein saidsuspension mechanism moves around said hinge point rod as said openframe is lifted to open.
 15. The suspended basket system for freezersand portable coolers of claim 11 wherein said at least one basket has alength and said insulating member has a length wherein said length ofsaid at least one basket is one of less than or nearly equal to saidlength of said insulating member.
 16. The suspended basket system forfreezers and portable coolers of claim 11 there is a plurality ofbaskets wherein said plurality of baskets includes a cutout forfacilitating access to each of said plurality of baskets when saidbaskets are situated close to each other.
 18. The suspended basketsystem for freezers and portable coolers of claim 11 wherein saidinsulating member and said basket hanging member are rectangular,wherein said securing means is four legs located at four outer perimetercorners of said basket hanging member.
 19. The suspended basket systemfor freezers and portable coolers of claim 11 wherein said securingmeans further includes a connector for at connecting said open frame tosaid four legs.
 20. The suspended basket system for freezers andportable coolers of claim 1 wherein said insulating member has a shapeselected from the group consisting of rectangular, square, u-shaped,u-shaped, circular, oval, hexagonal, octagonal and triangular.